Takeover of counties moves forward

BOURNE — Legislation that would transfer control of seven county sheriff offices to the state, including those on the Cape and Islands, is now awaiting Gov. Deval Patrick's signature.

BOURNE — Legislation that would transfer control of seven county sheriff offices to the state, including those on the Cape and Islands, is now awaiting Gov. Deval Patrick's signature.

The bill was passed by the state Senate and House Wednesday, according to state Sen. Robert O'Leary, and state Rep. Jeffrey Perry.

If Patrick signs the bill, the state will take on the operating costs for the sheriff offices in Barnstable, Dukes, Nantucket, Suffolk, Norfolk, Bristol and Plymouth counties. Efficiency gains from the state takeover are estimated to save taxpayers $6 million to $8 million annually.

Not all affected sheriffs are happy about the move.

Nantucket's sheriff is set for a steep decline in his annual budget, from $97,000 to $71,000. In addition, he would lose $15,000 to $20,000 in civil process fees he collected in previous years.

The governor, who has previously supported the state takeover, has 10 days to sign the bill, which would take effect Jan 1.